COLUMBUS – State Rep. John Rogers (D-Mentor-on-the-Lake) and State Sen. Nina Turner (D-Cleveland) sent a letter to Gov. John Kasich asking him to declare the areas impacted by flooding in Lake and eastern Cuyahoga Counties as a state disaster area. Sewage systems remain backed up as residents struggle to remove water from flooded basements, forcing many out of their homes and into hotels.

A declaration of emergency from the State of Ohio will provide individuals with the support they need to advance recovery efforts.

A copy of the letter is pasted below:

August 2, 2013

The Honorable John Kasich

Governor, State of Ohio

77 South High Street

Columbus, OH 43215

Dear Governor Kasich:

We write to encourage you to declare the areas impacted by flooding in Lake and eastern Cuyahoga Counties as a state disaster area. As you know, these communities received as much as six inches of rain in a matter of four hours on July 20, resulting in backed up sewer systems, thousands of flooded basements, and an incalculable amount of human hardship. A declaration of emergency from the State of Ohio would provide the impacted families and local governments access to additional state resources to aid in their recovery efforts.

We trust that you will strongly consider this request in conjunction with the situation on the ground in these communities. Should you have any questions or concerns, or if we can be of assistance with this matter, we stand ready to help.

All the best,

Nina Turner

State Senator

25th District

John M. Rogers

State Representative

60th District

cc: The Honorable Robert E. Aufuldish, President, Lake County Commissioners

The Honorable Ed FitzGerald, County Executive, Cuyahoga County

The Honorable Bob Weger, President, Lake County Mayors and City Managers Association

The Honorable Georgine Welo, President, Cuyahoga County Mayors and City Managers Association